Air Conditioner

How to Clean a Portable Air Conditioner?

DREO portable air conditioners are a lifesaver during sweltering summer days, but like any appliance, they need a little upkeep. Regular cleaning helps your unit run efficiently, cool effectively, and last longer.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple, step-by-step process to properly clean and care for your DREO portable air conditioner 515S/516S. From wiping down the exterior to draining excess water and cleaning the air filter, these quick tasks will help keep your unit running at peak performance, right when you need it most.
DREO Pro Tips:
  • Always turn off and unplug the appliance before cleaning or servicing.
  • DO NOT use flammable liquids or chemicals to clean the appliance.
  • DO NOT wash the appliance under running water. Doing so causes electrical danger.
  • DO NOT operate the appliance if the power supply was damaged during cleaning.
  • A damaged power cord must be replaced with a new cord from the manufacturer.

Step 1: Clean The Outer Surface

  1. Clean the outer surface using a damp, lint-free cloth and mild detergent.
  2. Dry the appliance with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Dry the appliance

Step 2: Drain the Water

Your air conditioner has a built-in evaporator, so the water compartment would not typically fill unless there is high humidity in the environment.
Option A: Intermittent & P1 Drainage
1. Unplug the unit and carefully move it to a drain area or use a drip pan (not included).
Note: It is recommended to place the unit on a higher level than the drip pan.
Unplug the unit
2. Remove the bottom drain cap.
Remove the bottom drain cap
3. Let the water drain until the water reservoir is empty, then replace the drain cap. Restart the machine. If the error code repeats. Call for service.
Let the water drain
Option B: Continuous Drainage
When using Dry mode, you will need a hose to drain the condensed water from the unit. Follow the steps below:
1. Unscrew the main drain outlet cap.
Note: Use a drip pan when opening the outlet cap to avoid wetting the floors.
opening the outlet cap
2. Connect the hose to the main drain outlet, then lead the other end into a drain that is lower than the unit.
Connect the hose
DREO Pro Tips:
  • Condensate may leak out after removing the drain cap. If the unit is running in Cool or ECO function. Make sure to prepare a drip tray (not included) to collect the leakage.
  • Make sure that the height of the drain and the section of the drain hose should not be higher than that of the drain outlet, or the continuous drainage may not work properly.
  • For maximum performance, during Cool or ECO function, it is recommended to disable continuous drainage by replacing the drain cap to the drain outlet.

Step 3: Clean the Air Filter

For better performance and less operational noise, clean the appliance filter at least once every two months.
1. Remove both grills from the back of the unit.
Remove both grills
2. If there is stubborn dirt or dust, immerse it in lukewarm water and rinse it a couple of times.
immerse it in lukewarm water
3. Let the filter dry before reattaching it to the main unit.
Let the filter dry

Step 4: Prep for Winter Storage

Not using your AC for a while? Here’s how to store it properly:
1. Drain any remaining water from the tank and leave both drain outlets open for enough time to allow all residual water to drain out.
Drain any remaining water
2. Once the tank is completely drained, close the main and backup drain outlet.
close the main
3. Clean the louver
Clean the louver
4. Clean the filter and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Clean the filter
5. Wrap around the cord using the plastic cord strip and plug it into the air conditioner outlet storage.
Wrap around the cord
6. Wrap the air conditioner in a plastic bag to prevent dust buildup decreasing its efficiency.
Wrap the air conditioner

Final Takeaway

A little maintenance goes a long way. Regularly cleaning your DREO portable air conditioner, from the outer surface to the filters and drainage, will keep it running efficiently, extend its lifespan, and ensure cool, reliable comfort whenever you need it. It’s a simple seasonal habit with big payoffs.

Reading next

How To Drain a Portable Air Conditioner With a Hose?
Mid-Year Sale Picks
Success
Error
Get access to our latest news by signing up for our newsletter.